A method for configuring a network element of a software-defined network “SDN” is presented. The network element maintains at least one look-up table defining actions to be executed in conjunction with managing a first data frame. The method comprises i) receiving (301) second data frames from a controller of the software-defined network, ii) reading (302), from the second data frames, a configuration program comprising one or more computer executable instructions defining at least one action to be executed in conjunction with managing the first data frame, and iii) associating (303) the configuration program to the at least one look-up table so that the configuration program is callable to be executed in conjunction with managing the first data frame with the aid of the at least one look-up table. The use of the configuration program instead of mere configuration parameters increases the freedom to implement different functionalities in the network element.